Course content

The course gives an understanding of the application of ecotoxicology using experimental approaches and regulatory case-studies. It also provides knowledge on the evaluation of how pollutants affect organisms, populations, and ecosystem processes. The course will familiarize students with different species and molecular, cellular, biochemical, structural, physiological, behavioral and ecological methods. Emphasis is put on both critically assessing the content of scientific articles and laboratory experimental assessments using materials from controlled studies and field samples. On completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of techniques used to evaluate the effects of environmental pollutants in nature.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

After completion of the course, the student should have:

• Applied knowledge on the ecological, physiological, molecular, cellular and biochemical state-of-the-art and trending methodologies in ecotoxicology.
• Practical knowledge of selected laboratory techniques to understand molecular mechanisms of toxicological responses at the physiological and biochemical levels and translate these into the general health status of organisms.
• Advanced knowledge of writing scientific reports using their generated laboratory training data as a starting point and understanding how to discuss and interpret scientific data together with their peers.
• Advanced knowledge on how to critically assess the content of scientific articles and apply methods to evaluate the adverse outcomes of pollutants in nature.
• Knowledge on how to integrate the role(s) of anthropogenic pollution into a global sustainability perspective.

Skills:

At the completion of the course, the students can:

• Apply acquired knowledge to understand and predict how pollutants affect organisms, species, populations and ecosystems.
• Critically and analytically assess and deliver scientific reports.
• Conduct practical ecotoxicological laboratory analyses.
• Interpret, discuss, write and communicate scientific data.
• Apply ecotoxicological methods to assess the effects of environmental pollutants in nature.

General competence

After the completion of the course, the student can:

• Critically and analytically assess and deliver scientific reports.
• Apply molecular and cellular approaches and methodologies used in ecotoxicology and biological sciences in general.
• Interpret, discuss, write and communicate scientific data.

Learning methods and activities

In addition to introductory lectures, the course focuses on critical discussions and assessments of research articles within ecotoxicology and applies a "flipped classroom" approach, where students are active participants.

Lectures: 15 hours

Laboratory practice: 56 hours, intensively taught

Seminars: 11 hours

Compulsory assignments

• Attendance seminar
• Attendance lab
• Group work

Recommended previous knowledge

TBI4110 or equivalent

Required previous knowledge

BSc in biology, chemistry or environmental sciences

Course materials

The course material, i.e. scientific publications that covers the syllabus will be posted on Canvas. The scientific papers will be updated every year.

Credit reductions